If you're 45 or older and lead a profitable business — a law firm, medical practice, or closely held company — a defined benefit plan can let you defer $100,000 to $300,000+ per year, far beyond what a 401(k) alone allows.
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Not tax, legal, or investment advice. Actual contribution and deduction amounts depend on your age, income, and business structure, and are determined by annual actuarial calculation. Consult your CPA or tax advisor.
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Most successful owners and partners hit the 401(k) ceiling years before they're ready to retire — and end up paying full tax on everything above it.
| Plan type | Typical annual limit* | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 401(k) + profit sharing | ~$70,000 | 2025 combined limit under age 50; modestly higher with catch-up contributions |
| Defined benefit plan (age 50s–60s) | $150,000–$300,000+ | Varies by age, income, and actuarial design — often the largest deduction available to a business owner |
*Figures are illustrative and for general education only, not a quote or guarantee. Actual limits are determined by annual actuarial certification based on your specific age, compensation history, and plan design, and are subject to IRS rules in effect at the time.
Hypothetical scenarios illustrating how contribution levels scale with age, income, and business type.
Hypothetical examples for illustrative purposes only, not actual client results or a guarantee of outcomes. Individual results vary based on age, income, business structure, and annual actuarial certification. Consult your CPA or tax advisor.
We review your age, income, business structure, and goals to confirm a defined benefit plan fits.
You receive a personalized illustration showing potential contribution levels and tax impact.
We coordinate actuarial design, documentation, and funding vehicle selection on your behalf.
Make your annual contribution and let Envero Life handle ongoing administration and compliance.
You're 45 or older and run or co-own a profitable business
You're already contributing the max to a 401(k), profit-sharing, or SEP plan
Your business has consistent, stable income year to year
There are few owners or highly compensated employees relative to total staff
You want to catch up on retirement savings within the next 5–15 years
You're able to commit to a recurring annual contribution
A 401(k) has a fixed annual contribution ceiling regardless of age. A defined benefit plan's limit is based on an actuarial calculation tied to your age, income, and years to retirement — which typically allows owners in their 50s and 60s to defer substantially more.
No. A defined benefit plan is generally layered on top of your existing 401(k)/profit-sharing plan, not a replacement for it.
Plans can be designed to account for eligible employees under IRS nondiscrimination rules. We'll review your specific census as part of the qualification process.
Defined benefit plans generally require a recurring annual contribution determined by actuarial certification, though some flexibility in plan design may be available. We'll walk through what's realistic for your cash flow.
Yes — we strongly recommend it, and we're glad to work directly with your CPA or tax advisor throughout the process.
A short call is all it takes to know if a defined benefit plan makes sense for you.
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